THE GILDED FILES: PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Step back in time, to a mid-century modern haven with enough glitz and glam in its history to be rightfully named Hollywood’s Playground. From 1930’s Hollywood Golden Era (queue Marilyn Monroe vibes) to the Art-Deco and 1970’s style that perpetuated Palm Springs’ image to this day, a dazzling desert oasis. where Californian’s come to unwind and detox.

Once a destination for us solely to go to Coachella, amongst the crowd that brings in more than $700 million of economic activity to the otherwise fairly sleepy city— my first few run-ins with Palm Springs were the not so relaxing version of itself. After experiencing almost every angle of Palm Springs it has become my recent #1 escape from San Diego, I kinda see it as my second home, in that I have people to visit who make it feel like home whenever I’m there. So I am confident in my Palm Springs recommendations & I’m so excited to share.

Whether staying in a retro airbnb, a sexy boutique hotel or hippie-chic spa n resort you can combine the perfect activities of leisure + play for the perfect girls getaway or romantic weekend in Palm Springs with this novel travel diary by your side.

The Perfect Day

Start your morning with a bike-ride to brunch If staying at or near The Parker, there are a handful of options just a 15 minute ride away like King’s Highway, a restored-Denny’s-turned-hip-diner serving up everything from your classic American breakfast of bacon, eggs and a short stack to a shrimp louie loaded with thousand island dressing and all the fixings. Like many places, there’s usually a wait here on the weekends so wander around the grounds at The ACE Hotel. For a guilt-worthy quick fix Townies Bagels will instantly transport you to NYC all while your pretty-little-self is just starting to relax as you take the first bite of your toasted cheese jalapeño bagel with lox and chive cream cheese.

Close by, you’ll find The Saguaro, that rainbow colored hotel that you see all over instagram. Take a look inside the minimalistic space seeping with brightly colored neon signs and south of the border decor, its quite the place. The restaurant scene in Palm Springs is exciting and quaint, yet in-your-face and the same can be said for the architecture everywhere you look. It feels like a total time-warp back to the time when The Rat Pack would frequent the town. Mid-century-modern may just be one of my favorite architectural styles and I’m not alone; You can experience curated tours that feature iconic homes or seek out the infamous pastel colored doors that line the streets from the 60’s and 70’s.

For dinner with the girls, head to the very top of the Kipton Rowan downtown, 4 Saints is the perfect way to start your night. We suggest arriving right before they open their doors for dinner, to be sat right away. Watch the sun set behind the only rooftop pool + bar in Palm Springs, while you nibble on seasonally sourced, made-to-share plates…Best described as California flavors with a Mediterranean twist. If you prefer a more intimate and cozy feel, head to Mister Parker where the candlelit vault of a room hugs you with its corner booths and crazy framed wall art. This is the closest thing to a thriving speakeasy vibe in the desert. But, do not underestimate their dinner, we found it to be far superior to their breakfast restaurant, Norma’s. Another great option is Rooster & The Pig if you’re feeling adventurous, this elevated Vietnamese restaurant will spoil you with out-of-the-ordinary flavor and ambience.

For some R&R we suggest Two Bunch Palms, a day-pass can be purchased to enjoy body mud masks or to simply spend the day in their natural thermal pools. If wellness and leisure are both your love languages you must spend some time at the Korakia Pensione and/or the Sands Hotel & Spa, both emanate Moroccan glam with rich colors and details perfect for that feeling of solitude you’ve been looking for.

Tag us in your Palm Springs adventures with #GILDEDTRAVELS so we can see what you’re checking off our Hit List

Hit List

STAY

The Parker, The Marley Palm Springs, The Sands Hotel & Spa, Korakia Pensione, Sparrows Lodge, Avalon, The Amado.

VISIT

Indian Canyons and hike Andreas Trail to chase waterfalls, stop at The Saguaro Hotel and order a few of the colorful street tacos from El Jefe, Palm Springs Door Tour for Locations like That Pink Door, The Saguaro Hotel, Mini Bar inside The Parker Hotel - order the Melon Maggie, On The Mark fine foods + provisions for specialty libations and all the goods to make your dream charcuterie by the pool.

EXPERIENCE

Dinner + Sunset @ 4 Saints. The Ancho Libre cocktail from Workshop Kitchen + Bar, set in a moody 1920’s church, Biking around town, Two Bunch Palms Day Spa, Townie Bagels for NYC Style Bagels and Lox Cream Cheese, local favorite El Patio, for boozy Margs + mini taco appetizer, Bar Cecil and the $50 Martini. Dead or Alive Bar & Wine Shop.

INDULGE

Pork Belly Fried Rice and Crispy Rolls from Rooster & The Pig, Crepes from Gambino’s, Birba, Mister Parker, Norma’s, Spencers, The Pink Cabana, Happy Hour at Tropicale, Evzin for Mediterranean, Counter Reformation for small inventive bites, and Farm for breakfast.

PHOTO DIARY